
enteredExport agentWhich national economic industry classification does it belong to?
According to the latest 2025 National Economic Industry Classification Standard (GB/T 4754-2025), import/export agencies are clearly classified underBusiness services industry (Code 72)withinTrade agency and brokerage services (7242). Key characteristics include:
- Not directly involved in commodity production or trading
- Service fees as primary revenue source
- Requires approval from the General Administration of Customscustoms clearanceQualified
- Involves registration with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
What specific services do import/export agency companies provide?
Professional agency company service modules can be subdivided into:
- Customs clearance services: HS code classification, license processing,Inspection of vaccines
- Logistics Management: Transportation solution design, space booking, transportation insurance
- Document processing: Commercial invoice/packing list preparation, certificate of origin application
- Tax Planning:Export tax refundDeclaration, cross-border VAT processing
- Compliance consulting: Trade control policy interpretation, AEO certification guidance
Are import/export agencies substitutes for freight forwarders/customs brokers?
This is a common misconception. In reality:
- Different legal status: Agency companies are independent business entities responsible for entire trade processes
- Service dimension differences: Freight forwarders focus on transportation, customs brokers specialize in clearance, while agency companies provide full-chain solutions
- Higher qualification requirements: Must simultaneously possess international freight/customs clearance/import-export operation rights
What compliance risks exist in agency agreements? How to prevent them?
Recent customs inspection cases reveal the following major risk points:
- Inaccurate document declarations (accounting for 38% of inspection cases in 2025)
- Commodity classification errors (average penalty of 20,000-50,000 yuan per case)
- Expired licenses (new electronic license verification system added in 2025)
Recommended preventive measures:
- Include data authenticity clauses in agency agreements
- Require agents to provide process monitoring systems
- Purchase trade compliance insurance (market rates approximately 0.3%-0.8%)
How are the fee standards for import/export agencies determined?
Three major fee models emerging in the industry in 2025:
- Charging by ticketCommon for small orders: 800-2,000 yuan per case
- According to the proportion of the goods valueMainstream model for bulk trade: 0.5%-1.2% fee rate
- annual service feeSuitable for high-frequency clients: can save 15%-30% in costs
Case study: A machinery equipment exporter with annual exports of 80 million yuan chose a 1% proportional fee + 30,000 yuan annual base fee, saving 117,000 yuan compared to per-case billing.
How to choose a reliable import and export agency company?
Five key dimensions to evaluate:
- Industry qualificationsAEO advanced certification, Classified Exporters qualification
- Service networksService network coverage in major ports/free trade zones
- Wind control systemWhether equipped with trade compliance review system
- Information technology levelERP system integration support (e.g., SAP, Yonyou U8)
- The industry speech.Query penalty records in the Customs Credit Publicity System
What common misconceptions about the import/export agency industry should be alerted to?
- Misconception 1: "Low-price promise = High cost performance" (May actually transfer compliance risks)
- Misconception 2: "All-inclusive service equals zero responsibility" (Enterprises still bear the primary responsibility for declaration).
- Misconception 3: "Bigger is Better" (Small and Medium-Sized Agencies Hold Professional Advantages in Specific Categories)